The Bed
Author: Luiken, Jan, 1649-1712
Image Title: The Bed
Scripture Reference:
- Amos 6 (further images / scripture text)
Description: By this comfortable home with a maid making a luxurious bed, the reader is called to remember Amos’ stern warning of God’s judgment on those whose lives are devoted to their own comfort (Amos 6:3-4). The Dutch artist and poet Jan Luiken (1649–1712), whose initials are at the lower right, was responsible for drawing and etching this emblem and wrote the accompanying poem.
Motto: At the right time and the right place.
Poem:
There a soft Bed was being prepared,
So that the Ass would be easily led,
That wicked and cunning Animal of sins,
That basely depraved flesh and blood,
That causes the poor Soul much harm,
And keeps it bound in their bonds.
And the poor Soul, where is it led!
Wretched between woe and alas,
Onto the bare straw, of the bad conscience.
It has little sleep and little rest.
Being aware of a better state,
It is constantly gnawed and bitten.
O Man! Who is intent on Rest,
Prepare and spread thy Soul’s-Bed,
In the soft Down of all Virtues,
So thy sleep at dawn,
Will not be a sad awakening,
But the rising of Eternal Joy.
(Translation by Josephine V. Brown, with editorial assistance from William G. Stryker)
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